First Look: Google Sky Comes to a Browser Near You
Space exploration just got a lot easier for desktop astronomers. Google announced today it now allows you to explore the vast reaches of space through your Web browser using a new Web-based service called Google Sky. Previously, Google offered a similar version of Google Sky that was only accessible using the Google Earth mapping software program. Now to travel to places like the Sombrero Galaxy (see above) all you have to do is launch your Web browser.
Check out PC World's slideshow Most Spectacular Sights in Google Sky.
Getting Started: Ready, Set, Takeoff
Google Sky lets you tour stars and planets just like in Google Maps - you can pan, zoom, and search for anything you are interested. See a planet you want to know more about? Many astronomical objects link to information bubbles that tell you more about what you are looking at as well as offer links to more information on the Web.
Included in Google Sky are layers just as they are available in Google Earth when viewing the heavens in "Sky" mode. Layers are collections of images or data that lay on top of Google Sky. For example Google has included the "Backyard Astronomy," "Historical," and "Hubble Showcase" layers.
(The Historical layer shows you early interpretations of the night sky.)
An Earth & Sky podcast layer will give you an audio explanations on everything from pulsars, the Milky Way galaxy's black hole, and the cosmic origins of copper. Podcasts are from the astronomy radio program Earth & Sky.
Houston, We Have a Problem
Browser access to Google Sky is great. It reduces the barrier of having to download and install software. I applaud Google for doing it. However if you're interested in a more flawless adventure in space stick with accessing Google Sky using the desktop software Google Earth.
In my review of the Web browser version of Google Sky both my Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers crashed when I began to open up browser tabs while viewing Google Sky. Also disappointing was that when I zoomed in on some cosmic objects Google Sky hiccuped and displayed big grey blocks that informed me "No image available at this zoom level. Try zooming out."
Errors aside, Google Sky is a terrific way to kill some time and learn about the vast universe.
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My 5-year-old is amazed at how cool it is to surf the universe on my 40-inch LCD TV (with media PC attached). I will also forward this to his kindergarten teacher -- what a great teaching tool.